The National Health and Aging Trends Study found that more than one-quarter of U.S. adults aged 71 and over were visually impaired. While many suffer from age-related diseases, there are also health-related factors to take into account.
Two issues seniors may run into are hypertensive retinopathy and diabetic retinopathy. Both affect the eye's retina and can cause major vision impairment. The last thing you want is to miss out on the scenic shores of Old Hickory Lake or the state park in Gallatin, TN.
Here's everything you need to know about hypertensive retinopathy vs diabetic retinopathy.
It's important for seniors to understand the role of the retina. The retina converts light into nerve signals that the brain interprets as vision.
Maintaining retina health is critical for long-term visual function. Any damage to this delicate tissue can impair eyesight, especially in the elderly. One such factor that can affect your eyesight is the blood vessels located behind the retina.
Hypertensive retinopathy occurs when high blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the eye. Aging and hypertension often go hand-in-hand. It's important to monitor blood pressure to avoid these side effects.
Chronic hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major cause of this eye condition. Sudden spikes in blood pressure are also responsible.
Depression and anxiety may increase the risk of high blood pressure. The same goes for poor diet and lack of exercise.
In the early stages of hypertensive retinopathy, seniors may not notice any symptoms. As the condition progresses, individuals may experience:
In the early stages, the arteries behind the eye narrow. By the moderate stage, your eye doctor may notice nicking and microaneurysms.
The last, and most severe, stage will show hemorrhages, cotton wool spots, and swelling of the optic disc. Seniors will want to avoid this stage at all costs to preserve their vision.
Retinopathy is one of the diabetes-related eye problems seniors should know about. It is a leading cause of vision loss for people with diabetes, and it occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the retina's blood vessels.
Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can develop retinopathy. It comes from poor blood sugar control and sustaining the condition for a long duration. It often comes alongside hypertension or kidney disease.
Early diabetic retinopathy doesn't always present obvious symptoms. As the disease progresses, seniors may notice:
Mild retinopathy is when microaneurysms form in the retina's blood vessels. As the blood vessels become blocked, they lead to retinal swelling and ischemia.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is when new, fragile blood vessels grow and rupture. This causes bleeding in the eye or retinal detachment.
It's important to distinguish between these two types of retinopathy to determine the treatment.
Hypertensive retinopathy stems from chronic high blood pressure and causes optic nerve swelling and hemorrhages. The best way to treat it is through blood pressure control.
Diabetic retinopathy stems from chronic high blood sugar levels. It can damage your vision through retinal detachment and macular edema, potentially leading to blindness. It requires both blood sugar control and eye interventions to treat.
It is possible to have both types at the same time. This is known as mixed retinopathy and is a serious condition seniors should avoid.
Eye disease in seniors is a growing public health concern as life expectancy increases.
The retina becomes more fragile with age, and many older adults have multiple chronic conditions. These can lead to vision loss that stems from various sources.
Furthermore, vision loss can contribute to falls, depression, and social isolation.
Routine eye screenings are crucial for early detection. Managing systemic diseases also maintains senior vision conditions as well as improves overall health.
Whether dealing with diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy, prevention and early intervention are always better than reacting too later. There are four main strategies that can benefit both conditions.
Older adults with diabetes or hypertension should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. This allows for early detection of changes that may not yet affect vision.
Monitor your vitals such as blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Take active measures to improve those numbers, whether it be more physical activity or a change in your diet.
Seniors should work closely with primary care providers and endocrinologists to further promote good health with medications. Nutritionists can help them figure out things like what changes to make in their diets or what supplements they might need.
Seniors with high blood pressure or diabetes may want to make changes in their lifestyles to promote better health. This includes eating a well-balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity. Avoid unhealthy foods such as processed meats and fried foods.
Smokers should quit while they can, and seniors should limit alcohol intake.
Follow prescribed treatments for both hypertension and diabetes. These medications will help control those levels and keep them within a healthy range.
Uncontrolled blood pressure and glucose levels are the leading contributors to retinopathy in older adults. However, seniors can limit the effect they have.
Knowing the difference between hypertensive retinopathy vs diabetic retinopathy can help you preserve your vision. Your doctor can help diagnose the cause of your vision problems and create a treatment plan. It's important for seniors to get routine eye exams, whether they suffer from ongoing medical conditions or not.
The Capstone at Station Camp provides both assisted living and memory care for our residents. Every senior can enjoy amenities such as landscaped walking trails and a dog park for their furry friends. Reach out today with any questions and to set up a tour of our community.